Inspection Advise Please

[barnstorm2]

I need to inspect a set of RAF rotorblades and more specificly a RAF hub bar this week.

I have been told and there is some mention on the forum about a 'volentary/unmanditory' recall of older RAF hub bars.

Can the fracture/cracking in these hub bars be seen my the naked eye or do they have to be taken to a metalurgist?

If they can be detected by eye could someone give me proceedural guidence?

IE, run fingernail or object along corners to feel for cracks.... or?

Thanks in advance.

[Caribean_gyro]

I used magnaflux process to detect for a crack. I also filed the area where the plates contact the hub bar to prevent any chaffing
chuckp

[GyroRon]

Tim, I know it isn't what you will want to hear, but In my opinion I would fly any other blade over a set of RAF blades if I had a big two placer. Sell a bike and get you some Sportcopters.....

[automan1223]

call raf. I forget what the charges are but they put new bolts in and improved winglets.

350 or 500 to update the bar. If not take a chance like bill O.

Jonathan

[barnstorm2]

Thanks guys!!

Chuck Can I magnaflux a hub bar ON a machine?

I should have mentioned that this a machine that I do not own but I may be a passinger in or may use for some time so I don't have control of putting new blades or a new bar on, I can only influence.

Thanks!!

[Caribean_gyro]

no is really messy plus the developer if it hit any painted surfuce will stain it. then you will have a nice red part. I had to take my blades down.

[Gyropilot007]

Guys:

Here is my advice, based on my limited experience.

I'm flying an RAF-2000 that I built from a kit that I purchased in 2003. I check my rotor blades and hub thoroughly before each flight. Every 25 hours I remove them and inspect them with a magnifying glass. So far I haven't had any problems, but if I did find an anomally, I would perform a dye penetrant test.

The dye pen test is rather simple. A penetrant dye is applied to the surface in question and allowed time to penetrate. After a specific time the surface is wiped clean to remove all residual dye. Then a develper is applied to the surface. If any cracks are present the dye would have penetrated the cracks and the developer would reveal the presence of the dye.

Is is a very simple and effect system.

This year I did upgrade to the new RAF hub bar and winglets. The hub bar and winglets are thicker and the and new, stronger attachment bold has been untilized. The cost was $500.00. I feel the peace of mind is worth it.

Best regards,

Bob McGuire

[barnstorm2]

Thank you Bob and Chuck.

Good news, it looks like we are moving forward and are going to get either a new hub bar or new blades. I am going to start a new thread to ask about the blades.

Where do I order the penetrant test?

[Caribean_gyro]

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pdf/catalog/Cat06513.pdf
got to aircraft spruce type magnaflux kit. it cost around 60.00

chuck